Cabinet bracket

ABSTRACT

A cabinet assembly of the knockdown type embodying male and female brackets mounted contiguous to peripheral edges of members for affixing the members together in a snap together manner. A method and structure for locating the brackets relative to the respective members in preselected locations is employed. Additionally, the brackets embody improved resilient fingers for holding the brackets and members in an interlocked condition.

United States Patent Hajduk [451 July 11, 1972 [54] CABINET BRACKET [72]Inventor: Frank R. Hajduk, Lincoln Park, Mich.

[731 Assignee: Regls Manufacturing Company [22] Filed: March 23, 1970[21] App1.No.: 21,731

52 us.ci............................2a7/20.9z7,217/12,292/340,

312/l1l,312/257R s11 lnt.Cl. ..co9r7/oo [58] FieldolSeorch..2s7/2o.92r,20.924.20.925,

287/20.926, 20.927, 20.92 C; 217/12, 43; 312/1 1 l, 257 R, 263; 108/152,153; 292/340; 33/197, 180 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,403,641 10/1968 Baker ..287/20.925 X 1,571,601 2/1926 Richards..287/20.924 X 2,879,561 3/1959 Rieder ..287/20.927 3,003,839 10/1961Bloom et al.... ..312/111 3,490,797 l/1970 Platte ..287/20.924 2,526.539 10/ 1950 Carroll ..292/ 340 X Primary ExaminerDavid J. WilliamowskyAssistant Examiner-Wayne L. Shedd Attorney-Harness, Dickey & Pierce 1ABSTRACT A cabinet assembly of the knockdown type embodying male andfemale brackets mounted contiguous to peripheral edges of members foraffixing the members together in a snap together manner. A method andstructure for locating the brackets relative to the respective membersin preselected 1ocations is employed. Additionally, the brackets embodyimproved resilient fingers for holding the brackets and members in aninterlocked condition.

5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Thisapplication is related to United States Letters Pat. No. 3,403,641,entitled Brackets for Assembling Knockdown Cabinets, issued Oct. 1, I968in the name of Harold L. Baker and Ser. No. 21,730 filed concurrentlyherewith in the name of Frank R. Hajduk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improvedbracket for use in securing a pair of members together and moreparticularly to an improved bracket for use in assembling prefabricatedcabinets or the like.

In the aforenoted patent, an arrangement is disclosed for assemblingknockdown cabinets or the like. This arrangement embodies male andfemale brackets that are affixed respectively, to two members that areto be assembled and contiguous to the edge of at least one of themembers. When the members are brought into abutting relationship, thebrackets will snap together and rigidly affix the members together. Thisarrangement is highly desirable in that it permits the structuralmembers and brackets to be shipped to an assembly site in a knocked-downfashion. The brackets may then be affixed to members and the membersconnected together by means of the affixed brackets. In the bracketemployed in that application, a positive limit stop was defined forlimiting the separating movement of the two bracket elements and aresilient finger was provided for urging the brackets in this directionagainst the limit stop. The resilient finger shown in that applicationwas subject to possible permanent deformation decreasing itsefi'ectiveness. In addition, it is highly important that the bracket becapable of accurate location relative to its respective member forinsuring accurate positioning during assembly. The bracket shown in thatpatent application afforded no means for insuring such accuratelocation.

It is, therefore, a principle object of this invention to provide animproved bracket for assembling a pair of members together.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved bracket forassembling members together incorporating resilient fingers that are notsubject to damage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved bracketfor assembling members together incorporating a locating means forlocating the bracket relative to the member before assembly thereto.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a bracket locatingmeans that prevents inadvertent reversal of male and female brackets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is adapted to be embodied inbracket means for interconnecting first and second members. The bracketmeans comprises a male bracket having a first portion securable to oneof the members and having a projecting tongue portion. A female brackethas a portion securable to the second member and means define a cavityfor accepting the projecting tongue. Cooperating means on the male andfemale brackets define a positive limit stop positively establishing afixed limit to separating movement to the brackets. Resilient meanscomprising at least one resilient portion of one of the brackets adaptedto be engaged and deflected by the other of the brackets are effectivewhen the brackets are engaged for continuously exerting a resilientforce in a direction to separate the brackets and continuously force thebrackets apart to the limit position.

Another feature of this invention is adapted to be embodied in a bracketfor use in afiixing a pair of members together. The bracket comprises amounting portion adapted to be affixed to one of the members, a locatingsurface formed on the bracket for engaging a cooperating locatingsurface on the member for accurately locating the bracket relative tothe one member and connecting means on the bracket for interengagingmeans on another bracket fixed to another member for affixing the twomembers together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of aknockdown cabinet embodying this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the area encompassed in the circle 2 inFIG 1 and shows the connecting brackets in an interengaged position.

FIG. 3 is a view, in part similar to FIG. 2, showing the parts in anexploded condition.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the male bracket.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the female bracket.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 ofFIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG.1, a knockdown cabinet assembly embodying the invention is identifiedgenerally by the reference numeral 11. It is to be understood that,although the invention is described in conjunction with a knockdowncabinet, certain features of the invention are susceptible for use inother applications. The invention has particularly utility, however, inconjunction with the assembly of knockdown or prefabricated components.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, the cabinet ll includes a pair ofparallel side walls 12 and 13, a rear wall 14, a bottom shelf 15, a toppanel 16 and a toe board 17. The members 12 through 17 may be made fromwood, composition board or any other suitable, relatively rigidmaterial. These members are secured together by means of a plurality ofmale brackets, indicated generally by the reference numeral 18 andcooperat ing female brackets, indicated generally by 19. A pair of doors2] and 22 are supported by pairs of hinges 23 and 24, respectively, forpivotally supporting the doors 21 and 22 relative to the side walls 12and 13.

The brackets 18 and 19 and the manner of connecting the various memberstogether will now be described in particular reference to the remainingfigures. These figures disclose the method of attachment of the sidewall 13 to the rear wall 14. It is to be understood that this attachmentmethod and construction is typical of the joints between any two of themembers and may be used to attach any two members of any other type ofprefabricated component. Each of the brackets I8 and I9 is formed fromsheet metal by a plurality of press operations. The brackets 18 and 19are accurately located with respect to the structural members and areaffixed to these members, either on the site or at the point where theprefabricated assembly is made in a manner which will become moreapparent as this description proceeds.

The male bracket 18 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is comprised of a generally planarmounting portion 25 having a central embossment 26 in which a pair ofspaced apertures 27 and 28 are formed. The apertures 27 and 28 have agenerally countersunk configuration as clearly shown in FIG. 5. Atopposite peripheral edges of the mounting portion 25, resilient fingersor tangs 29 and 31 are formed. The fingers 29 and 31 extend upwardlyrelative to the mounting portion 25 and are curved about a radius,indicated at 32 in FIG. 5 and which is exaggerated for the sake ofillustration. Edges 33 and 34 are formed at the outer end of the tangs29 and 3i, for a reason which will become more apparent as thisdescription proceeds.

A tapered tongue 35 extends outwardly from the mounting portion 25 andbetween the fingers 29 and 31. The tongue 35 extends perpendicularly tothe mounting portion 25. A central opening 36 is formed in the tongue 35and a reversely joined tang 37 extends outwardly of the opening 36. Thetang 37 is curved about a radius, indicated by the line 38 in FIG. 5.

A pair of locating embossments 39 and 41 are formed on the mountingportion 25 at a distance from each other indicated by the dimension 42.The embossments extend from the mounting portion 25 in a directionopposite to the tongue 35.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 6 and 7, the female bracket 19 iscomprised of a generally planar mounting section 44. An embossed centralportion 45 defines a pair of countersunk openings 46 and 47. At theforward edge of the mounting portion 44 the embossrnent 45 is fonnedwith an upwardly tapered portion 48 that forms an opening 49 that isadapted to receive the tongue 35, as will become more apparent as thisdescription proceeds. On either side of the opening 49, the mountingportion 44 is formed with generally hemispherical embossments 1 and 52.

The center of the portion 45 is formed with a second embossment 53having a generally tapered shape. The embossment 53 is apertured as at54.

A pair of locating embossments 55 and 56 are formed on the mountingportion 44 on opposite sides of the embossment 45. Locating embossments55 and 56 are spaced apart at a distance 57 and extend from the mountingportion 44 in a direction opposite to the embossment 45.

As has been previously noted, the cabinet assembly 11 is adapted to beshipped in a knocked down fashion. In this way, the members 12 through17 and doors 21 and 22 may be conveniently stacked, one upon the other,and packaged. The necessary number of brackets 18 and 19 and hinges 23and 24 may be packaged separately. On the site, the brackets 18 and 19are first affixed to the respective members. Due to the manner ofattachment of the brackets 18 and 19 to each other, it is extremelyimportant that these brackets be accurately located with respect to themember to which they are to be attached. In order to insure thisaccurate location, preformed locating openings are formed in the membersto receive the locating embossments 39 and 41 or 55 and 56 of therespective brackets 18 and 19. FIG. 3 depicts the manner and form ofthese locating openings. ln this figure, the side panel 13 is adapted toreceive a male bracket 18. Thus, at the appropriate location a pair oflocating holes 58 and 59 are formed in the inner surface of the panel13. The openings 58 and 59 are spaced apart a distance equal to thedistance 42 and are spaced at a distance from the edge of the panel 13as required to complete the assembly. in a like manner, locatingopenings 61 and 62 are formed in the member 14 at a distance from eachother equal to the distance 57. The openings 61 and 62 are formed at anappropriate distance from the edge of the panel 14. It should be notedthat the distance 42 is different from the distance 57 so that reversalof the brackets 18 and 19 is precluded. When the cabinet 11 is to beassembled, the embossments 39 and 41 of the male bracket 18 are insertedinto the openings 58 and 59. The bracket is will then be accuratelylocated with respect to the panel 13. Screws are then inserted throughthe countersunk openings 27 and 28 to affix the bracket 18 to the panel13. If desired, when the panel 13 is formed with the openings 58 and 59,smaller openings may be formed adjacent the place where the apertures 27and 28 will register for receiving and starting the screws. The femalebracket 19 is located relative to the panel 14 and is attached to it ina manner similar to that already described.

When the necessary brackets are fixed to the respective members, themembers are attached together using these brackets. This is done byinserting the tongues 35 into the openinp 49. The tongues 35 areinserted into these openings until the tangs 37 register with and snapinto the openings 54. At this time, disassembly will be precluded. Theresilient curved fingers or tangs 29 and 31 will contact the embossments5] and 52 and tend to urge the bracket 18 away from the bracket 19. Thiswill force an edge 63 of the tang 37 into firm engagement with theaperture 54 and prevent disassembly. If it is desired to disassemble thecabinet, a screwdriver or suitable tool is inserted through the aperture54 to depress the curved tang 37. The tank 37 is depressed sufficientlyso as to clear the a erture 54 and permit the tongue 35 to be withdrawn.Since e tangs 29, 3 and 37 are curved rather than being straight as inthe aforenoted patent, they will retain their resilience and will not bepermanently deformed. They may, therefore, be reused several times, ifnecessary. Also, since the brackets 18 and 19 are positively andaccurately located, the finished cabinet assembly will have neat andtightjoints.

What is claimed is:

l. Bracket means for interconnecting in preselected interrelationshipfirst and second members constituting elements of a prefabricatedcabinet or the like comprising a male bracket element having a firstportion securable to one of said members and having a projecting tongueportion, a female bracket element having a portion securable to thesecond member and means defining a cavity accepting said projectingtongue, locking means including cooperating means on said male andfemale bracket elements defining a positive limit stop positivelyestablishing a fixed limit to separating movement of said male andfemale bracket elements, and resilient means comprising at least oneresilient portion on one of said bracket elements said resilient portionbeing curved about an axis transverse to the direction of separatingmovement, the other of said bracket elements having a portion disposedparallel to said axis, said curved, resilient portion being adapted tobe engaged and deflected relative to its axis of curvature by saidportion of said other of said bracket elements when said male and femalebracket elements are engaged for continuously exerting a resilient forcein a direction to separate said male and female bracket elements andcontinuously biasing said male and female bracket elements apart to saidlimit position.

2. Bracket means as set forth in claim 1 in which the resilient meanscomprises a pair of curved resilient portions on the male bracket, saidcurved resilient portions being positioned on opposite sides of thetongue.

3. Bracket means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the curved resilientportions of the male bracket engage curved edges of the female bracket.

4. Bracket means as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the bracketelements is formed with locating surfaces, said surfaces beinginterengaged with corresponding locating surfaces of the members forlocating the bracket elements with respect to said members.

5. Bracket means as set forth in claim 4 wherein the locating surfacesof the bracket elements comprise pairs of spaced surfaces, the pairs oflocating surfaces of the male bracket element being spaced apart adifi'erent distance from the pair of locating surfaces of the femalebracket element.

1. Bracket means for interconnecting in preselected interrelationshipfirst and second members constituting elements of a prefabricatedcabinet or the like comprising a male bracket element having a firstportion securable to one of said members and having a projecting tongueportion, a female bracket element having a portion securable to thesecond member and means defining a cavity accepting said projectingtongue, locking means including cooperating means on said male andfemale bracket elements defining a positive limit stop positivelyestablishing a fixed limit to separating movement of said male andfemale bracket elements, and resilient means comprising at least oneresilient portion on one of said bracket elements said resilient portionbeing curved about an axis transverse to the direction of separatingmovement, the other of said bracket elements having a portion disposedparallel to said axis, said curved, resilient portion being adapted tobe engaged and deflected relative to its axis of curvature by saidportion of said other of said bracket elements when said male and femalebracket elements are engaged for continuously exerting a resilient forcein a direction to separate said male and female bracket elements andcontinuously biasing said male and female bracket elements apart to saidlimit position.
 2. Bracket means as set forth in claim 1 in which theresilient means comprises a pair of curved resilient portions on themale bracket, said curved resilient portions being positioned onopposite sides of the tongue.
 3. Bracket means as set forth in claim 2wherein the curved resilient portions of the male bracket engage curvededges of the female bracket.
 4. Bracket means as set forth in claim 1wherein each of the bracket elements is formed with locating surfaces,said surfaces being interengaged with corresponding locating surfaces ofthe members for locating the bracket elements with respect to saidmembers.
 5. Bracket means as set forth in claim 4 wherein the locatingsurfaces of the bracket elements comprise pairs of spaced surfaces, thepairs of locating surfaces of the male bracket element being spacedapart a different distance from the pair of locating surfaces of thefemale bracket element.